We love hearing from our alumni at the end of the school year! Recently, an alumni parent reached out to share our graduate's grade report from his college preparatory boarding school:
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After spending 6-12 months at New Summit Academy, why do our alumni who continue their education at a more traditional boarding school tend to thrive?  In the words of one graduate:
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​At New Summit Academy, our highly qualified teaching faculty:

✅ Incorporate academic skill development into each class, with larger projects broken down into smaller steps, hard skills integrated into lessons, and social skills gently guided by teacher and peer feedback.

☑️ Facilitate executive functioning skill development by working closely with each of our students to set quarterly goals and outline concrete, measurable actions to reach those goals.

✅ Help students build and solidify techniques to initiate and monitor their work, to stay organized, to manage time and priorities, to be resilient in the face of challenge, and to advocate for themselves when support or differentiation is needed.

Following their presentation at the Small Boarding Schools Association conference in California last month, Dr. Heather Tracy, Executive Director and Co-founder of New Summit Academy, and Strategic Enrollment Director Adam Beeson returned from the United Kingdom last week where they presented at the Boarding Schools' Association Annual Conference for Heads in York.

Drawing on the twenty year history and experience of New Summit Academy, our team shared strategies that UK and international boarding schools can implement to help anxious students thrive. 

Speaking to more than 200 delegates in attendance, the presentation - "Aiding The Anxious Generation: Strategies for Improved Student Outcomes and Retention" - created much conversation around what more traditional boarding schools can be doing differently to support their students.

As the largest association of boarding schools in the world, the BSA represents member boarding schools in more than 50 countries, provides training for boarding staff and promotes boarding education.

How does New Summit Academy create a learning environment where students can thrive? Check out our new school video to see these strategies in action! 

When a teen is struggling with anxiety, depression, school avoidance, or unhealthy coping strategies, the decision to seek support outside the home can feel overwhelming. Parents want more than a temporary fix; they want real change in a safe, engaging, and growth-oriented environment.

That’s why so many families choose New Summit Academy Costa Rica. Here are the top reasons parents trust us with their sons’ education and wellbeing:

1. Supportive, Strengths-Based Approach
At New Summit Academy, we don’t see students as broken or in need of fixing. We see them as capable young men who need space, structure, and support to reconnect with their strengths. Our advisors, teachers, and counselors work collaboratively to help students set personal goals, build confidence, and thrive socially and academically.

2. Therapeutic Integration Without the Stigma
​Therapy at New Summit Academy isn’t something students “go to” - it’s built into every part of daily life. Through small group discussions, individualized advising, family work, and community activities, emotional wellness becomes second nature. Students learn to reflect, self-regulate, and connect authentically while feeling like part of a real school community, not a treatment center.

3. Experiential Learning in a Beautiful Setting
Our location in Costa Rica is a key part of our success. Whether students are earning SCUBA certifications, hiking cloud forests, or working on community projects with local families, every experience is designed to build resilience, cultural competency, confidence and leadership skills.

4. College-Prep Academics with Personalized Support
​With small classes and individualized instruction, our accredited academic program helps students catch up, stay on track, or even accelerate. Teachers integrate executive functioning skills - like organization, time management, and self-advocacy - into every lesson, ensuring students build real-world competence.

5. Proven Outcomes and Long-Term Success
After 6-12 months at New Summit Academy, many students successfully transition to traditional boarding schools, university, or gap year programs. They don’t just survive - they thrive because they know themselves better and know what they need to do well. Parents regularly report stronger relationships, renewed motivation, and lasting emotional growth.

A Different Path, A Better Future
Choosing a boarding school for your son isn’t easy. But for many families, New Summit Academy offers a path forward - one rooted in purpose, connection, and real transformation.

Interested in learning if New Summit Academy is the right fit?

Contact our admissions team at [email protected]